The latest Xander Bogaerts MLB and fantasy baseball news

Boston Red Sox SS Xander Bogaerts showed his improved first-step quickness on defense to infield coach Brian Butterfield Monday, Feb. 16. Bogaerts spent the winter at EXOS Performance Institute in Phoenix working on his defensive skills. Butterfield is confident that Bogaerts can improve on defense after a below-average year in 2014. Butterfield also plans to work with Bogaerts on studying the team's pitcher's tendencies.

Fantasy Tip: Bogaerts is an intriguing middle-round mixed-league pick for his upside. If he can learn from his disappointing 2014 campaign in all aspects, he could reach more of his peak potential, and he becomes even more valuable with third base eligibility.

Boston Red Sox SS Xander Bogaerts worked out with 2B Dustin Pedroia at the EXOS performance institute in Arizona this offseason. Bogaerts said he has never felt this strong heading into a season after challenging his body by lifting heavier weights.